BOOK PUBLISHED 10 APRIL 2024

NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON & BARNES & NOBLE

IN E-BOOK, PAPERBACK & HARDCOVER FORMAT

BEYOND THE HEIDI TALE

by GEORGE LONDOB

Trading swaying palm trees for the snowy Alps, George unwittingly catapults himself into a rollercoaster of an adventure after he ties the knot with a Swiss sweetheart. As he tries to navigate the quirks of his newfound Swiss existence, he transforms into a bona fide insider, peeling away the layers of the mysterious and stereotype-laden Swiss life. Each moment bathed in vibrant hues, the result is a treasure trove of stories that will inspire you to embark on your own cultural journey with an open heart and an open mind.

"So, with Markus’s stories and visions of berry-picking adventures dancing in my head, I was unequivocally convinced. Switzerland was the place to be. Forget chocolates and cheeses (okay, maybe not entirely), it was the promise of wild berries and mu — "So, with Markus’s stories and visions of berry-picking adventures dancing in my head, I was unequivocally convinced. Switzerland was the place to be. Forget chocolates and cheeses (okay, maybe not entirely), it was the promise of wild berries and mushrooms that sealed the deal for me. "

"In the whirlwind of January 2011, while I blissfully juggled work and play in the city of Bangkok, Markus, with his unmistakable Swiss charm, waltzed into my world and swept me off my feet."

"Imagine this: February 1974, at the delightful pension Café Riz in the picturesque Gerschnialp of Engelberg. Fate took on the role of the ultimate matchmaker, bringing together Peter and Anita, like two shooting stars colliding in the night sky... L — "Imagine this: February 1974, at the delightful pension Café Riz in the picturesque Gerschnialp of Engelberg. Fate took on the role of the ultimate matchmaker, bringing together Peter and Anita, like two shooting stars colliding in the night sky... Little did they know that this chance encounter would ignite a love story for the ages."

"My in-laws fully grasped that I was still adjusting to the Swiss diet, which, let’s admit, was quite different from what I was used to...they embraced my need to have rice at least once a day and took genuine interest in my Asian culinary repertoire — "My in-laws fully grasped that I was still adjusting to the Swiss diet, which, let’s admit, was quite different from what I was used to...they embraced my need to have rice at least once a day and took genuine interest in my Asian culinary repertoire. From the various condiments to dishes like whole fish complete with head and tail (because, let’s be honest, fillets are simply not fish enough), they were enthusiastic to learn more."

"Through food and flavor, my in-laws and I found a way to connect, bridging cultural gaps and strengthening our family ties. It’s amazing how a plate of fried rice and an open mind can create such incredible bonds. "

"I must admit, when I first encountered Jass, I was as nervous as a cow facing its first uphill climb. The unknown always makes us feel inadequate, doesn’t it? But fear not, for Jass is just another card game waiting to be conquered. With patient men — "I must admit, when I first encountered Jass, I was as nervous as a cow facing its first uphill climb. The unknown always makes us feel inadequate, doesn’t it? But fear not, for Jass is just another card game waiting to be conquered. With patient mentors like my in-laws and Markus, I quickly transformed from a hesitant newbie to a confident player. I even dabbled in the various Jass formats like Trumpf, Obenabe...."

"....being invited to a personal event, even if it’s just for the Apéro, is still a tremendous honor. It doesn’t matter if you’re not staying for the main course; the invitation itself holds weight."

"In contrast to back home, where the arrival of a baby signals the automatic involvement of grandparents and distant relatives, Switzerland follows a more orderly approach. Here, you lend a hand only when someone asks for it. Raising a child in Switz — "In contrast to back home, where the arrival of a baby signals the automatic involvement of grandparents and distant relatives, Switzerland follows a more orderly approach. Here, you lend a hand only when someone asks for it. Raising a child in Switzerland, as I discovered, can be quite the solo adventure, unlike the extended family setups I was accustomed to. "

"Now, let me take you further to Fasnacht 2015 in Luzern and Basel, my first Fasnacht experience since arriving in Switzerland. First stop Luzern, where I was living at that time. Although I missed the explosive Urknall at 5 a.m., I did manage to cat — "Now, let me take you further to Fasnacht 2015 in Luzern and Basel, my first Fasnacht experience since arriving in Switzerland. First stop Luzern, where I was living at that time. Although I missed the explosive Urknall at 5 a.m., I did manage to catch the midday parade, known as der Umzug. And let me tell you, it was a politically charged extravaganza, with effigies of powerful leaders like Putin, Merkel, and Obama taking center stage."

"So, there I was, armed with my mighty A2-level German, ready to conquer Switzerland. Little did I know that the Swiss had a linguistic trick up their sleeves called Swiss German. It’s like German’s mischievous cousin that only the Swiss can pull off — "So, there I was, armed with my mighty A2-level German, ready to conquer Switzerland. Little did I know that the Swiss had a linguistic trick up their sleeves called Swiss German. It’s like German’s mischievous cousin that only the Swiss can pull off. I mean, seriously, “isch guäät?” is their way of asking “Ist es gut?” It’s like they’re playing a phonetic prank on the rest of the German-speaking world. But wait, there’s more!"

"Coming from the tropics with its predictable wet and dry seasons, I was about to experience a mind-blowing upgrade to not two, not three, but four seasons in all their glory, from spring to winter…As a plant aficionado and a gardening enthusiast, I — "Coming from the tropics with its predictable wet and dry seasons, I was about to experience a mind-blowing upgrade to not two, not three, but four seasons in all their glory, from spring to winter…As a plant aficionado and a gardening enthusiast, I was positively itching to witness the marvel of ever-changing vegetation that I had only heard about or seen in blockbuster movies and picturesque postcards. "

"Back home, we were spoilt with a nonstop parade of tropical fruits and year-round blossoms. Our gardens were alive, exploding with vibrant colors courtesy of lush bougainvillea, hibiscus, frangipanis, mirasol (or the wild sunflower), mimosa, jasmine — "Back home, we were spoilt with a nonstop parade of tropical fruits and year-round blossoms. Our gardens were alive, exploding with vibrant colors courtesy of lush bougainvillea, hibiscus, frangipanis, mirasol (or the wild sunflower), mimosa, jasmine, and the enchantingly delicate yet invasive cadena de amor. "

"With a twinkle in my eye and a persuasive grin, I pitched the idea to my in-laws. They chuckled at first, wondering where on earth we’d squeeze a tree into their tiny garden. But my enthusiasm won them over, and they promised to find the perfect app — "With a twinkle in my eye and a persuasive grin, I pitched the idea to my in-laws. They chuckled at first, wondering where on earth we’d squeeze a tree into their tiny garden. But my enthusiasm won them over, and they promised to find the perfect apple tree for me."

"In an ideal world, sustainable food would be the norm. It would be affordable, accessible, and embraced by everyone. We’re talking about a food revolution that would make Greta Thunberg blush and proud...And hey, maybe one day we’ll have more than j — "In an ideal world, sustainable food would be the norm. It would be affordable, accessible, and embraced by everyone. We’re talking about a food revolution that would make Greta Thunberg blush and proud...And hey, maybe one day we’ll have more than just plant-based meat substitutes or some trendy tuna alternatives. Yes, bring on the real solutions, we say!"

"Bärlauch is a versatile gem, perfect for adding a fresh twist to salads, omelets, stews, and of course, the heavenly pesto sauce it’s famous for. Ah, the pesto! But wait, here’s a secret tip I picked up from my lovely colleague, Helena: ditch the tr — "Bärlauch is a versatile gem, perfect for adding a fresh twist to salads, omelets, stews, and of course, the heavenly pesto sauce it’s famous for. Ah, the pesto! But wait, here’s a secret tip I picked up from my lovely colleague, Helena: ditch the traditional pine nuts and try a blend of raw almonds and walnuts instead."

"Over one hundred parties were interested in that two-bedroom flat. The demand for affordable apartments in Zurich was already intense, and it’s only gotten crazier with time. Fortunately, Markus, was one step ahead. He knew the game and had the fore — "Over one hundred parties were interested in that two-bedroom flat. The demand for affordable apartments in Zurich was already intense, and it’s only gotten crazier with time. Fortunately, Markus, was one step ahead. He knew the game and had the foresight to put us on the waiting list at every Baugenossenschaft (housing cooperative) in the city after accepting a job in Zurich. "

"... Albisrieden has become our sanctuary from the hustle and bustle. It’s perfect for our evolving selves (okay, aging selves if I am being brutally honest) who were no longer keen for nights out and partying but preferred crocheting by the fireplac — "... Albisrieden has become our sanctuary from the hustle and bustle. It’s perfect for our evolving selves (okay, aging selves if I am being brutally honest) who were no longer keen for nights out and partying but preferred crocheting by the fireplace. The latter might be exaggerating a tad, but we truly desired an apartment close to nature, whether it be a forest, a mountain, or even a lake if we are being unrealistic."

"Amidst the chaos of work and family obligations, Hanne’s reminders via WhatsApp group chats or casual chitchats on the stairs serve as a gentle nudge that we are not solitary beings inhabiting the house. No, we live in a home, not some faceless or a — "Amidst the chaos of work and family obligations, Hanne’s reminders via WhatsApp group chats or casual chitchats on the stairs serve as a gentle nudge that we are not solitary beings inhabiting the house. No, we live in a home, not some faceless or anonymous apartment complex in nearby Altstetten. Hanne plays a vital part in upholding our house traditions, most notably the beloved annual summer paella gathering."

"As the familiar sound of gangsa (gongs) reverberated through the air, the family meeting hall at Bullingerstrasse gradually transformed into a festive dance floor…The gong’s rhythmic beat, both commanding and inviting, set the tempo for the spontane — "As the familiar sound of gangsa (gongs) reverberated through the air, the family meeting hall at Bullingerstrasse gradually transformed into a festive dance floor…The gong’s rhythmic beat, both commanding and inviting, set the tempo for the spontaneous tadek—a traditional Igorot dance that weaves a story of unity, camaraderie, and celebration…It was as if the gong and the dance had become the heartbeat of the gathering, syncing with everybody’s own rhythms, reminding all participants that in the heart of Switzerland, their culture thrives, and their traditions endure."

"The gongs may have stopped playing, but their echoes will forever resonate in our hearts, reminding us of the unbreakable bond we share as proud Igorots in the diaspora."

"And so you could probably imagine my surprise when, out of the blue, Brenda’s message popped up on my Facebook feed... She specifically asked if we could visit her at their hotel, which was not just any hotel in town. It was the Grand Dolder, one of — "And so you could probably imagine my surprise when, out of the blue, Brenda’s message popped up on my Facebook feed... She specifically asked if we could visit her at their hotel, which was not just any hotel in town. It was the Grand Dolder, one of the swankiest hotels, if not the most expensive in Zurich. "

"These four encounters exemplify the beauty of spontaneous connections that arise while traveling... These personal narratives serve as powerful reminders of the richness and diversity of human experiences and realities. They provide an opportunity f — "These four encounters exemplify the beauty of spontaneous connections that arise while traveling... These personal narratives serve as powerful reminders of the richness and diversity of human experiences and realities. They provide an opportunity for mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s realities...Ultimately, these stories underscore the shared humanity that unites us all."

"However, I must clarify that work-life balance in the tropics wasn’t all doom and gloom. Mai chai khrap (No, ma’am). Beyond the endless public holidays, work felt like a leisurely stroll through a morning glory field—laid-back and breezy. “Sabai-sab — "However, I must clarify that work-life balance in the tropics wasn’t all doom and gloom. Mai chai khrap (No, ma’am). Beyond the endless public holidays, work felt like a leisurely stroll through a morning glory field—laid-back and breezy. “Sabai-sabai” and “bahala na” attitudes reigned supreme, translating to “just chill” and “let fate decide.” Stress was mostly reserved for those signing the paychecks."

"...Aunt Rose’s decision to end her life had become resolute. Tomorrow, she was scheduled to die through the assistance of Exit, a nonprofit organization in Switzerland that legally facilitates physician-assisted suicide for qualified individuals. "

Swiss Citizenship granted – a silver lining after the unprecedented heavy snow in the lowlands. The warmth of congratulations from my Swiss family, captured in the accompanying picture, adds an extra layer of joy to this significant milestone. It's a — Swiss Citizenship granted – a silver lining after the unprecedented heavy snow in the lowlands. The warmth of congratulations from my Swiss family, captured in the accompanying picture, adds an extra layer of joy to this significant milestone. It's a moment that not only signifies legal recognition but also embodies the embrace of a new cultural identity within the warmth of my Swiss family.

Yes, even the Swiss cow seemed to give me its approval! All jokes aside, this picture perfectly encapsulates my inaugural hiking adventure in Switzerland. Amidst the breathtaking landscapes and encounters with the local flora and fauna, it marked the — Yes, even the Swiss cow seemed to give me its approval! All jokes aside, this picture perfectly encapsulates my inaugural hiking adventure in Switzerland. Amidst the breathtaking landscapes and encounters with the local flora and fauna, it marked the beginning of countless explorations in the picturesque Swiss outdoors.

"By indulging you in these compelling narratives, I earnestly hope to offer you a more intimate and vivid view of life in Switzerland beyond the usual Heidi tales."

"Hailing from tropical Brazil, this book echoes my own Swiss adventures and misadventures especially in my early years in Switzerland– price shock, cold winters, competitive apartment hunts, and German language struggles included. I just wish I could narrate my story with the same wit, humor, and flair as the author!"

— Cristina Parise - Gre

“These stories make me appreciate the uniqueness of our Swiss culture. What I find most extraordinary is the extent to which the author embraced and integrated himself into the Swiss way of life because, let's admit it, not every Swiss person plays Jass or goes foraging for mushrooms these days. The humorous comparison to his own culture is not only engaging but also insightful."

— Silvia Koenig

About GEORGE

Originally from the Philippines, George has called Switzerland his second home since 2014. George's remarkable ability to vividly and accurately recall events, a condition known as hyperthymesia, has inspired him to write articles reflecting on his nearly decade-long Swiss adventure.

Nature serves as his muse, and in addition to his culinary pursuits, he finds joy in gardening, foraging, and hiking. His daily train commute to work has transformed into a haven for writing, providing a much-needed respite from the world of number crunching. He currently resides with his partner in Zurich.